Intermittent Fasting: How it's been significant in improving my health

Image via AS Phillips

​Before chemo and radiation therapy, I engaged in intermittent, modified fasting. Didn’t have a regular schedule for it, and although I didn’t eat during those hours, I did have fluids as needed. Mostly keto beverages--nothing thick or filling. The usual hours I set aside for fasting were from 2100 (9 pm)  through noon (and sometimes later) the next day.

My reason for fasting was spiritual and although I’d had to modify them due to health challenges, meaning I couldn’t fast for that many hours on only water, or without both food and water, without causing some health complications. Regardless, I’ve never fasted even one time, with or without modifications, that the Lord Jesus didn’t honor it and bless me for it.

A year ago, when my health ramped into a more rapid decline, I lost the ability to fast as often. Within a few months, other than as prep for medical procedures, I wasn’t able to fast much at all.

Through the many months of cancer treatment and multiple surgeries, I sincerely missed being able to fast. Fasting for spiritual purposes, not the sort I had to do before med procedures and blood work. 

Fasting heightened my sense of appreciation for pretty much everything and made me more spiritually sensitive, increased my confidence in God’s love, attention and provision for not just me, but also the needs of others I lifted in prayer.

​Back in the saddle...

​Now that I’m healing up from my (hopefully) second-to-last surgery, I’ve been able to be back to fasting. It’s intermittent, meaning doesn’t last through a 24-hour period, but I do strive to maintain a regular schedule with it, from no later than 9p through noon, Monday through Friday.

Now and then, a health challenge interrupts it, but I pick up and go at it again soon as I can. The Lord Yeshua never fails to bless me for each effort. 

This isn’t to imply that it’s by my effort that He’s redeemed me-paid the price for my salvation by taking my place on that cross. It’s to acknowledge that I desire to do it because it allows me to be drawn into a special, deeper place with Him and the more time I spend with Him in that way, the more I long for it.

Beneficial side effects

The consistent periods of fasting have helped lower and stabilize my blood sugar. This is especially good for me since being diagnosed with diabetes.

I’ve steadily dropped weight at a safe and quality pace. 

Ease of movement continues to improve not only due to the weight loss but because the fasting reminds me that as a Christian, my body belongs to Yeshua and is His temple. His Spirit lives within me, right alongside my own. 

​The Lord instructs His people to be good caretakers of our blessings. Fasting reminds me to eat healthy, at least most of the time, and not abuse this amazing, unique, divinely designed vessel I was birthed into.

Image via AS Phillips

​How ‘bout you?

Do you fast? If you do, I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences about it in the comments. Knowledge is power and your interaction is always appreciated.

​‘Til next time...

Shalom